Arnold Wiigs Fabrikker (26cm)

Arnold Wiigs Fabrikker, or AWF as seen on the sticker here, was a Norwegian ceramics company in operation from 1943 to 1977. Known initially for their production of flowerpots, they later graduated to art pottery and worked with a succession of designers ranging from William Knutzen to Denmark’s Eva Haase. Unfortunately, the constant turnover in artistic control left AWF without much of an identity in the 60s — a fatal flaw when West German, Swedish and Italian brands were so readily identifiable. This led AWF to imitate some of their competitors, something which did not help their brand identity or the bottom line. Following a long decline in profitability and a fire at their factory in 1967, AWF closed its ceramics business. The vase here, whose designer is not known, makes one wonder how AWF went astray. The form is strong and highly functional. The glaze is superb, with waves of blue, brown, gray and blending together in a manner reminiscent of waves washing ashore on a sandy beach. Details such as the rings separating the top from the bottom, with their rust-like “deterioration” effects over baby blue, all speak to a designer with real vision. It is a beautiful piece which would not have looked out of place in the Carstens or Dümler & Breiden catalogue at the time, that is for certain. For me, this was a lucky find. AWF may be marooned on the island of forgotten MCM pottery as far as current popularity goes, but for my part I’ll be seeking out these pieces in the future.